Methane Emissions From Abandoned Coal Mines WSP Report

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Update of Estimated Methane Emissions from UK

Abandoned Coal Mines
Department of Energy and Climate Change
25th May 2011
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GLOSSARY
AMM
Abandoned mine methane
CBM
Coalbed methane
CH4
Methane
CO2e
Carbon dioxide equivalent (calculated based on GWP of each GHG)
CRF
Common Reporting Format
DECC
Department of Energy and Climate Change
DEFRA
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
EU
European Union
GHG
Greenhouse gas
GWP
Global warming potential (relative to CO2 = 1.0)
IPCC
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
LULUCF
Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry
kilo (unit prefix = 1 thousand)
Mega (unit prefix = 1 million)
MWe
Megawatt electrical generation capacity
UNFCCC
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
US EPA
US Environmental Protection Agency
WSP
WSP Group
WYG
White Young Green
Uncertainty level quoted at the 95% confidence limit
DECC AMM Emissions Estimates 1990-2050
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
WSP was commissioned by DECC to update the UK estimates of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions originating from
abandoned coal mines, incorporate data on currently operating coal mines that are expected to close before 2050 and
develop consolidated projections of methane emissions to 2050. The results will feed into the UK GHG inventory
improvement programme and help to inform future policy decisions to mitigate this GHG source. This study was
carried out over the period February to April 2011 and constitutes:
a review of the mine database and models developed for the previous 2005 DEFRA study
updating of these models to account for actual and projected mine closures dates to 2050
comparison of the estimation methods with international best practice
addition of methane capture and utilisation data
update of the split of emissions between England, Scotland and Wales
an uncertainty assessment of the updated estimates
WSP first investigated published methodologies for the estimation of GHG emissions from abandoned mine methane
(AMM), specifically those produced by the IPCC, the US EPA and the methodology employed by WYG in the
construction of the 2005 inventory. These methodologies involved the estimation of AMM emissions from a firstprinciples bottom-up approach; physical properties of individual mines and mine areas were measured and then
aggregated into a model. In the WYG methodology, a single-value long-term emissions factor was obtained from a
regression between the AMM reserves of 8 UK mines and flow rate of methane from those mines. This long-term
emissions factor was found to be in-line with best practice and was incorporated into WSPs methodology.
In delivering this update, files from the 2005 inventory were made available to WSP by WYG. These included a
synthesis of methane gas reserve estimates for the portfolio of 143 abandoned mines modelled in the 2005 inventory
as well as datasets for each of the closed mines which contained both empirical and calculated data.
The complexity of the data files received from WYG was such that they could not be directly transposed to the IPCC
and US EPA methodologies. Instead, the WYG data were checked for consistency and robustness in the values of
AMM reserve estimates made for the period 1990-2004. Because this data was dependent on measured data on
individual mines, WSP was unable to directly corroborate this to a comparative set without replicating the
measurements. WSP however did review the treatment of measured data and evaluated this broadly against the
principles of the method detailed in the US EPA report and against WSPs expert judgment. The WYG models were
found to be in-line with USEPA and IPCC mine modelling methods. From the WYG dataset and additional data
sources such as the UK Coal Authority, a catalogue of mines that were flooded, vented or sealed was derived to form
a baseline for projections to 2050.
For mines that were determined to be venting, estimates of methane gas reserves were made for the period 20052050. These forecasts were based on a combination of gas reserve decay profiles following closure, WYG models of
mine flooding rates, and a long-term gas reserve decay function. A total of 11 mines which have closed since 2005 or
are due to close by 2050 and their expected flooding profiles were added in to the model using the same
methodology. Assumptions made by the previous WYG study on mine closures in the period 1990-2005, and for any
mines that had re-opened since 2005, were also updated using actual closure and re-commissioning dates.
Methane emissions rates of 0.74%(with a relative uncertainty level of 20%) of the gas reserve per annum (based on
limited UK mine data) were used to construct a profile of AMM emissions for the period 1990-2050 for the 138 (out of
140) mines that had been determined to have closed before 2000, in thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent
(ktCO2e). A simple AMM estimation method for surface mines was applied as these emissions are small compared to
those for deep mines. The uptake of AMM utilisation was modelled by inspection of data on current and likely future
AMM capture projects. This allowed both gross and net AMM emissions to be estimated.
Table 1 and Figure 1 below summarise the key results of the AMM study. It shows a peak in AMM emissions around
1995, which is due to the closure of a large number of mines around that year, followed by a rapid decline in emissions
as 104 mines (out of 143) were fully flooded by 2000. A smaller peak in 2006 is also seen, which is due to the closure
of the Harworth mine area, accounting for 0.134MtCO2e, compared to 2005s total AMM emissions estimate of
0.573MtCO2e, representing a 23% increase in emissions. Longer-term emissions to 2050 are predicted to be relatively
stable and in the range 0.2-0.4 MtCO2e/annum. The emissions estimate are net of methane utilisation which is
forecast to be implemented across 90% of large abandoned mines but will reduce in absolute terms due to the
depletion of methane reserves and reduction in the number of newly abandoned mines in future years. In Table 1,
emissions for operating mines up to 2005 are also include for comparison based on UK GHG Inventory estimates. It
can be seen that abandoned mine methane emissions are small in comparison with operating mine emissions up to
2005.
The detailed results, including models of all 154 mines areas/zones and a breakdown of emissions by nation are
presented in an Excel model which facilitates future updating. The band of uncertainties derived for the AMM
emissions from deep and open-cast mines were found to be consistent with a hybrid of Tier 2 and Tier 3 emissions
estimation methodology as stated in the IPCC 2006 report.
Table 1 Summary Data
Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2030
2040
2050
No. Abandoned mine areas
121
132
138
144
148
149
152
153
153
153
1.08
2.01
1.22
0.44
0.37
0.36
0.39
0.30
0.27
0.24
17%
17%
20%
37%
37%
30%
26%
27%
26%
26%
18.27
12.58
6.99
4.08
Abandoned Mine Net Emissions

(MtCO2e)
Uncertainty(%)*
Operating Mine Net Emissions
(MtCO2e)
* Uncertainty levels are quoted at the 95% confidence limits

Figure1 Summary Graph of AMM Emissions Estimates 1990 2050
Note: This trend includes data for all UK mines that are currently in operation and forecast to be abandoned before
2050.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
THE OBJECTIVES AND AIMS OF THE RESEARCH
Two of DECCs strategic objectives are to reduce GHG emissions in the UK and to ensure secure energy supplies. In
2009 coal mining and handling activities generated total methane emissions of 0.136 million tonnes (equivalent to
2.86million tCO2) (AEA 2011). The UK coal mining sector is therefore responsible for around 0.51% of total UK GHG
emissions (excluding LULUCF). The coal mining sector also has significant potential for GHG emissions abatement
and energy generation from a methane fuel source which is otherwise wasted. Whilst UK coal production continues to
decline, output in 2010 was 18 million tonnes and both active and abandoned mines continue to give rise to methane
emissions which contribute to anthropogenic global warming. It is important that DECC has access to robust GHG
inventory estimates for the UK coal mining sector which enables informed policy decisions. A previous study of
abandoned mine methane emissions was completed for Defra in 2005 by the consultants White Young Green (WYG)
and this provides a baseline for this update (Kershaw 2005a, 2005b). The objectives of this project are therefore to:
1.
Provide up-to-date annual CH4 emission estimates for abandoned or closed UK coal mines, including the
update of historic and projected emissions from the 2005 report and the breakdown by nation;
2.
Add value for DECC by identifying future areas for improvement in the UK coal mine GHG inventory, for
example through uncertainty analysis and comparison with international best practices; and,
3.
Provide a concise summary report and results in a format which can easily be integrated into the UK GHG
reporting system (at a devolved administration-level) and is compatible with IPCC and UNFCCC guidelines.
Projected GHG emissions estimates for operating coal mines are to be developed separately from this study by
DECCs energy projections team. WSP understood that the outputs of this study will support the following UK and
Devolved Administration reporting requirements:
-
GHG inventory to UNFCCC and EU (including CRF tables);
UK non-CO2 projections to 2050; and,
Devolved administrations GHG inventories.
The study was carried out over the period February to April 2011 and the results were presented at a meeting with the
st
DECC Steering Group on 31 March 2011. WSP would like to thank the DECC Project Officer, Jenny Ward and her
colleagues at DECC for their valuable advice and input to the study.
1.2
BACKGROUND TO METHANE LEAKAGE FROM ABANDONED COAL MINES
The majority, 96.6%, of gross (before taking methane utilisation into account) abandoned mine methane emissions
arise from deep mines. Surface open-cast mines contribute a relatively small amount, 3.4%, to total abandoned mine
emissions. For deep mines, methane is contained within coal seams (known as the gas reserve) that, once
abandoned, continue to emit gas to the atmosphere via the mine shafts that were used during operation. After
decommissioning, these mine shafts are usually vented to prevent the accumulation of underground methane gas as
shown in figure 2 below.
Figure 2 Schematic of Methane Leakage from Deep Mine Workings
The disturbed coal seam will continue to vent methane to the atmosphere until the cavity of the mine is flooded with
water, as typically happens as a result of groundwater inflow following closure (during operation, water is actively
pumped out of the mine to prevent this). Therefore, abandoned deep mines continue to release methane until such a
time when they are completely flooded or the gas reserve is depleted. Flooding effectively seals off a portion of the
mine gas reserve due to the low solubility of methane in water. Abandoned mine methane (AMM) emissions are
characterised by a high rate of release immediately following closure, then falling to much lower rates of emission over
a period of 8-10 years.
Coal Bed Methane (CBM) extraction is an active method of abstracting methane from virgin coal seams either for
onsite electricity generation or piped into a grid. It is achieved by depressurising the coal seam and pumping out any
water, allowing the coal matrix to release the methane. CBM extraction is not included in the scope of this study.
Other factors affecting the abandoned deep mine methane release rate are:
Initial methane content of coal seam (0.5-50 m3/t for UK coal mines based on WYG model data) dependent on
each specific mine but can usually be clustered by mine basin (e.g. the Hem Heath and Florence mine areas are in
a band of 3-9 m3/t, depending on depth below surface);
Adsorption isotherm of coal matrix is a function of the type of coal strata and the surface area of exposed coal
surfaces available for adsorption of methane;
Flow capacity of mine vents (Q0) which determines the maximum emissions rate of methane from a mine
(typically derived from flows during the mine operational phase);
Time since closure as the AMM emissions rate is large immediately following closure, followed by a steep
reduction in emissions rate;
Sealing of mine vents and shafts again determines the maximum emissions rate of methane from a mine;
Depth of mine/pressure gradient describes the thermodynamic properties of the AMM gas;
Permeability of coal seam to water ingress which describes the susceptibility to flooding and therefore the rate at
which the gas reserve is sealed off by water;
Water inflow/outflow leading to a rising mine water level and ultimately flooding; and,
Methane capture and utilisation at source for power generation or connected to grid for wider distribution.
The approximate extent of UK coal-bearing strata and some key mine statistics are shown in Figure 3 below. In this
study the UK coal mines have been grouped into 154 area or zones of similar mines as described further in Section 2.
Figure 3- Approximate extent of UK coal-bearing strata and key mine statistics (UK Coal Authority 2010)
Active UK coal mines (2010 data)

No. Underground = 16
No. Surface = 36
No. Total = 52
Active mines by nation: England = 23,
Scotland = 16, Wales = 13, Northern
Ireland = 0
Total UK coal production = 17.8 million
tonnes
Abandoned UK coal mines
Total no. of mines = over 900
Split across 32 major coalfields
Methane capture generating capacity
installed = c. 50MWe
GHG emissions reduction = 0.5 million
tCO2e/annum
Potential for a further c. 150 MWe
generating capacity
STUDY METHODOLOGY
WSPs approach to updating the methane emissions estimates for abandoned coal mines was as follows:
2.1
HIGH-LEVEL REVIEW OF GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY MODEL AND INTERNATIONAL

BENCHMARKS
The baseline for this study is the UK-specific methodology on AMM emissions developed over the period 2002-2004
by WYG which is summarised in their 2005 report to DEFRA (Kershaw 2005b). This AMM methodology is complex
and involved significant resources to develop, including collection of mine-specific data, on-site monitoring of selected
mines and modelling of 154 UK mines areas/zones.
To allow a comparison with best practice, WSP initially conducted a literature review of the international benchmarks
for the estimation of methane emissions from abandoned coal mines. Few countries have estimated AMM emissions
and the two key benchmark methods identified were:
USEPA - Methane Emissions from Abandoned Coal Mines in the United States: Emission Inventory
Methodology and 1990-2002 Emissions Estimates, April 2004, Coalbed Methane Outreach Program US EPA.
Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/cmop/resources/abandoned_underground.html
IPCC - Chapter 4: Fugitive Emissions, IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories 2006.
Retrieved from http://www.ipcc-nggip.iges.or.jp/public/2006gl/pdf/2_Volume2/V2_4_Ch4_Fugitive_Emissions.pdf
A review of these two leading methods indicated that the estimation of methane emissions from abandoned coal
mines could be described by a number of equations that are dependent upon the characterisation of the mine and
whether they were flooded with water, manually sealed with a plug, or open vented into the atmosphere. These
equations were functions of parameters that could only be derived empirically for each coal basin as well as other
mine-specific coefficients. Furthermore, these equations were also dependent on mine-specific equations describing
the specific volumes, pressures and grades of coal in order to construct isotherms to model gas flow. The USEPA
method involved using sampled data from around 600 mines and is therefore equivalent to an IPCC Tier 3 method,
being mine-specific and requiring a significant number of empirical data points. Overall, the USEPA method is the
most comprehensive and complex and the IPCC guidance is derived from a simplified USEPA method.
In comparison the WYG methodology split each coal mine area into a box/polygon model using spatial characteristics
(depth, volume, height). This spatial model was combined with gas content data and flow data to determine the
methane gas reserve and depletion rate (typically a hyperbolic decay curve). Water inflow was modelled to calculate
the likely year of flooding at various levels within the cavity (50m height intervals). From this combination of gas
reserve estimation and flooding predictions, methane emissions were derived for each coal mine area/zone. The UK
method involved using sampled data from 8mines combined with a range of other UK mining-sector data sources and
is therefore a hybrid of IPCC Tier 2 and Tier 3 methods.
The international literature on AMM emissions also identified a wider number of approaches in use (from no estimation
of AMM through to IPCC Tiers 1, 2, and 3), as summarised in Table 2 below. The overall conclusion from the
benchmarks view indicates that the current UK method:
is in line with best practice benchmarks in terms of international methods for estimating methane gas
reserves;
is more advanced than the USEPA method in terms of predicting mine flooding;
is less robust than the USEPA method in terms of estimating the long-term emissions rate as it is based on
fewer data points; and,
provides an estimate of emissions (using a long-term rate of 0.74% of the gas reserve per annum).
Overall the models developed by WYG are found to provide a robust method for updating UK AMM emission
estimates. The method combines limited UK mine-specific data with some assumptions regarding the similarity of
certain coal areas/zones as so represents a hybrid of IPCC Tier 2 and Tier 3 methods.
Table 2 - International Benchmarks Summary for AMM Estimation

Country/
Authority
Reference
AMM
Emissions
Estimate
Estimation Methodology
Uncertainty Levels
UK
Kershaw 2005b;
AEA 2011
2004: 47 ktCH4 total

for deep abandoned
mines(c. 0.18% of
total national GHG
inventory excl.
LULUCF and excl.
methane utilisation
of 31 ktCH4)
No uncertainty analysis performed. Range

of closure dates for mines still operating
were considered. The mass balance for
long-term decay rate of gas reserves in
flooded mines was not accounted for.
US
USEPA 2004;
USEPA 2011
2008: 429 ktCH4

Gross (c. 0.13% of
total national GHG
inventory excl.
LULUCF and excl.
methane utilisation
of 148 ktCH4)
IPCC
IPCC 2006
n/a
Global
Methane
Initiative
Canada
GMI 2010
n/a
Environment
Canada 2010
World Bank 2010
Not estimated
South
Africa
Department for
Environment
Affairs and
Tourism, SA 2009
Australia
Australian
Department of
Climate Change
and Energy
Efficiency 2011;
ACARP 2006
1994: 317 ktCH4

(1.8% of total
national GHG
inventory excl.
LULUCF and excl.
methane utilisation
which is not
reported)
2008: 83 ktCH4
(0.3% of total
national GHG
inventory excl.
LULUCF and excl.
methane utilisation
which is not
separately reported)
Model of 140 mining areas using areaspecific input parameters. Hyperbolic

decay of gas reserve based on gas flow
during operation, seam gas content and
adsorption isotherms. Decay is overlaid
with mine water 3-D modelling from
inflow/outflow data and spatial data for each
mine area. Fixed long-term gas reserve
decay rate of 0.74% per annum assumed
based on data for 8mines.
Similar model to UK but accounts for
additional parameters in hyperbolic decay
such as mine pressure gradient and
effectiveness of sealing. Total of 457
abandoned mines modelled in 2008. Does
not model mine water levels in as much
detail as UK method (assumes full flooding
after 8 years). Some mines were not
modelled in detail but were grouped by
type. Exponential long-term gas reserve
decay rate (e.g. 1.24% at 7 years since
abandonment, 0.19% at 10 years) based on
best fit curve for measured mine data
Method based on USEPA with
standardisation of emission factors and
decay rates to account for generalised
country scenarios.
Tier 1 application of globally-used
constants to estimate of emissions
Tier 2 application of nationally-derived
Tier 3 application of site-specific
Does not provide a method for estimation.
Provides country summaries of coal mine
methane emissions and data on methane
capture technologies and projects
Canada do not currently provide estimates
of abandoned mine methane
China do not currently provide estimates of
abandoned mine methane. A number of
AMM capture projects are being developed
in China (backed by World Bank and
generating CER credits)
Applies IPCC Tier 1 method using standard
emission factors based on average mine
depth. Need for an improved estimation
method in future is recognised.
China
Not estimated but

likely to be 3-4 times
higher than US
emissions
Details not available but Australian Coal

Association research Program (ACARP)
produced a report in 2006 which follows a
mine-specific estimation method similar to
that used in the UK but does not allow for
flooding.
A Monte-Carlo analysis indicates an

uncertainty range (95% confidence limits)
of 19 percent below to 27 percent above
the 2008 emissions estimate. The main
reason for this level of uncertainty was due
to the unknown status of 40 mines.
Indicates that an overall uncertainty range

of +/-20% to +/-30% is typical for a Tier 3
methodology for countries with a
significant number of mines. The range of
uncertainty associated with estimated
emissions from an individual mine may be
large (in the 50% range).
n/a
n/a
n/a
Medium to high level of uncertainty, values

not quoted but likely to be of the order +/50%.
Not quantified but uncertainties mentioned

are due to future closure dates of mines.
A number of gassy coal mines have closed
in the past five years, resulting in peaks in
emissions. Between 2009 and 2020,
around 15 underground coal mines are
expected to cease producing, resulting in
emissions remaining between 0.5 and 1.5
MtCO2e.
2.2
DATA REVIEW FOR ABANDONED DEEP MINES
WSP obtained an inventory of abandoned mines (last updated in 2005) from the previous WYG study files that
contained methane gas reserve estimates from 1990 to 2004. This inventory included mines that had been closed and
abandoned before 1990 and with complementary data in further modelling files, the expected flooding dates for
several of these mines, given the mines characteristics. From this, profiles of gas reserve estimates (allowing for
progressive flooding over time) were developed for each of the mines which were either based on the forecast water
levels in the mine (from WYG) or inferred from a long-term emissions rate of 0.74% of gas reserves per annum. This
0.74% long-term emissions rate was obtained by WYGs analysis into a correlation between the gas reserves for 8
1
closed mine areas and the measured flow rate of methane from exposed vents . The gradient between the two
indicated the rate of emissions release and the two series correlated with an r-squared of 0.7053, suggesting that
more than 8 data points were required in order to arrive at a stronger correlation. A typical example of the model for
each mine zone/area is shown in Figure 4 below indicating how the rising water level leads to rapid decline in the gas
reserve, followed by a levelling-off which represents the long-term decay of the gas reserve after flooding.
Figure 4 Typical projection model output for mine flooding and gas reserve decay over time
Notes: Source is Fig 5.4 in Kershaw (2005b). Blue line refers to depth/level of flooding within the mine, red line
indicates the potential gas reserve.
Forecasts of future mine gas reserves generated by the WYG models were generally incomplete for a year-by-year
analysis, as they were a function of water depth at 50m intervals. Therefore, in order to construct time-series profiles,
the available data points were plotted in Excel and a trendline obtained from which to interpolate and extend the trend
to cover all years from 1990 to 2050. For mines where no future forecast data from WYG models was available, the
gas reserves volumes were estimated using the 0.74% long-term emissions rate.
Appropriate steps were taken to attempt to minimise the risk in over and underestimating emissions by applying the
0.74% long-term emissions rate after a mines flooding to characterise the methane emissions from deep abandoned
mines. The long-term factor is likely to underestimate the emissions in the years immediately following a mines
closure and overestimate the emissions in later years. This is because the typical emission rate cited in Kershaw
2005b changes over time with 74% of the gas reserve leaking in year 1, 7.4% year 2, 4.1% year 3, 2.6% year 4, 1.8%
year 5, 1.3% year 6, 1.0% year 7, and 0.8% in year 8. A key factor which determines this rapid decay in methane
leakage, and which is so modelled for each mine is the decline in the available gas reserve due to mine flooding in
the years immediately following closure. In order to minimise the risk of over or underestimating emissions
appropriate approaches were taken for different types of mines. For those mines that had already been flooded
(typically beyond year 8 after closure) the long-term emissions rate of 0.74% was applied as without alternative data
1
The derivation of the long-term emissions rate is based on data for 8 closed mine areas (Bearmouth, Calverton,
Parkside, Cronton, Askern, Horbury, Roughwood, Hem Heath) in Table 10.2 of Kershaw (2005b)
this presents the best estimate of emissions available. For mines that are scheduled to close in the future, the longterm emissions rate was applied after the mine was determined to be fully flooded (as per modelled WYG data). In the
years following closure, the long-term emissions factor was also applied to the available gas reserve (in the absence
of other data on leakage rates) to mines that were determined to be fully flooded before 2005 (128 out of 140 in the
WYG dataset), the 12 mines which were forecast to flood after 2005 (in the WYG dataset) and the 12 additional mines
which are forecast to flood from WSPs update.
2.3
DATA REVIEW FOR ABANDONED SURFACE MINES
WSP undertook a mine-by-mine review to update the WYG models including those for mines which have closed or are
due to close after 2005, and those that re-opened or were scheduled to do so before 2050. Data on actual/predicted
closure dates were obtained from the operating companies and cross-checked with the Coal Authority and DECC in
terms of alignment with UK energy projections. A summary of mine status and closure dates for those mines that
were still operating post-2005 is given in Appendix A.
After closure, emissions from abandoned surface mines were assumed based on an understanding of the workings of
those mines to include the following:
The standing highwall/face of the coal seam;
Leakage from the pit floor;
Low temperature oxidation;
Uncontrolled combustion; and,
Mine remediation method (e.g. capping) and timing after closure.
At present, no comprehensive methods to quantify these emissions have been developed by the IPCC, USEPA or
other countries. They remain subjects for further research. In the absence of other methods WSP has assumed, based
on expert judgment, a simple methane estimation method based on rapid decay of emissions in the year after closure
of 50% of the production related emissions. This provides an order of magnitude estimate for comparison with deep
mines whereby the surface mine emission are shown to be relatively small. Due to the large surface area of the mine
exposed at shallow depth to atmosphere, the majority of the methane in the coal strata is released during operation.
By the time of decommissioning the remaining gas reserve is relatively small and will be released rapidly (compared to
deep mines) due to the proximity to the surface.
Therefore the projections used in estimating the methane emissions from abandoned surface mines are calculated
based on UK energy projections for coal demand from surface mines in millions of tonnes per year, against which a
methane emissions factor has been applied to represent the small volume of gas (0.17 kgCH4/t coal, ULAN 2009)
released after mine abandonment.
2.4
DATA REVIEW FOR METHANE UTILISATION IN ABANDONED MINES (AMM UTILISATION)
All methane utilisation from mines are currently recorded by the Coal Authority for abandoned, operating mines and
virgin coal bed methane (CBM) project. WSP correlated this data with an inventory of current AMM utilisation projects
(i.e. excluding operating mines and CBM sources) from the UK Coal Authority (2011) and cross-checked this with
2
operator data (GMI 2010). The research identified 25 projects (all based in England) which are either operational,
temporarily closed or planned to be in operation by 2020. It was estimated that total active AMM capacity in 2010
was 35 MWe based on the 25 projects identified. A further 30 MWe of capacity was identified which is related to
operating mines and CBM projects based on the review of planned projects and therefore is not classed as AMM at
this time.
From a given power generation capacity from AMM utilisation, the amount of methane utilised could be calculated
from the equation:
Mass of methane utilisation (tCH4) =
Installed capacity (MWe) Load Factor (%) 8760 (hours)
Generation Efficiency (%) Methane Higher Heating Value (MWh/t)
A list of which is provided within the model, C36:C60, 6. Methane Utilisation sheet in WSP DECC UK CH4
Emissions Abandoned Coal Mines Final v1.2.xlsx
10
A forecast of expected power generation from AMM utilisation was made out to 2050 with variable inputs for 10-year
intervals until this date, taking into account projections for available methane resources. In absence of other data, it
was assumed that methane utilisation in the long term would remain at current levels (68% of available UK AMM from
UK Coal Authority data) although there may be increased uptake of CBM utilisation in future.
2.5
DATA REVIEW FOR OPERATING DEEP MINES
In the UK at the end of 2004 there were 10 remaining large deep mines and 12 smaller mines in operation, producing
a total of 11.5 million tonnes of coal (Coal Authority 2010). By the end of 2010, only 4 large deep mines remained in
operation, along with 31 smaller mines (some newly opened), with total coal production of 10.4 million tonnes (Coal
Authority 2010). The combined coal production output of the smaller mines in 2010 was found to be approximately
one-tenth that of the combined large mines production (UK Coal Authority 2011). In the absence of other data the
aggregate gas reserve of smaller mines still in operation (and subject to closure in future) is therefore estimated to be
equivalent to 10% of the combined large mines gas reserve.
Methane emissions from UK operating deep mines are reported based on actual measured data from mine ventilation
systems. The latest available data for 2009 indicates emissions of 161 ktCH4, which combined with 2009 production of
7.5 million tonnes of coal, gives an overall emission factor (before any methane capture or utilisation) of 21.5
kgCH4/tonne of coal mined, and is based on a production-weighted average from measurements at all major active UK
deep mines (AEA 2011).
In the US the total emissions from operating deep mines is 3189 ktCH4 in 2009 (20 times that in the UK before
methane utilisation) using an emission factor of 10.6 kgCH4/tonne of coal mined (USEPA 2011). This emission factor
is based on measurements from 135 gassy mines plus basin-specific assumptions for a larger number of non-gassy
mines
The IPCC (2006) default emission factor is 7 17 kgCH4/tonne of coal mined. The IPCC default factors are based on
the range of measured deep mine data from a number of nations including the US, Germany, France and Australia.
The IPCC guidance notes that as the gas content of coal typically increases with depth, the low end of the range
should be chosen for average mining depths of <200 m, and for depths of > 400 m the high value is appropriate. For
intermediate depths, average values can be used.
The UK emission factor is double the emission factor used by the US (10.6 kgCH4/tonne of coal mined compared to
21.5 kgCH4/tonne of coal mined) and above the range suggested by the IPCC. However, emissions factors are
expected to vary significantly by country according to the number, type and depth of mines, geology of the coal seams
and mine ventilation methods and the IPCC guidance indicates that actual measured data are preferred as countryspecific values are highly variable. In the UK the few remaining UK operating deep mines are all gassy (indicating that
a high emission factor is to be expected), whilst in the US there is a larger number of both gassy and non-gassy
mines, (indicating that an average emission factor is to be expected). Since the UK emission factor for operating
mines is based on measured data from mine company returns to the Coal Authority, the emission factors used
represent Tier 3, and are therefore the most accurate method to represent UK-specific mine operations.
2.6
ASSUMPTIONS USED IN CONSTRUCTING DATA SERIES
In constructing the AMM emissions profile for each mine, data was collected from a variety of sources; primarily, the
gas reserve estimate data from the WYG models were updated to reflect actual mine closure dates. In calculating the
corresponding AMM emissions, assumptions were made for several key variables as follows:
Gas reserve decay rates This parameter gives the reduction in the volume of the gas reserve in a given mine
over a period of time, with the reduction being equivalent to the leakage rate of AMM emissions. This is an indirect
way, depending on the inference of emissions from a known quantity of gas reserve and no comparable default
exists in the methodologies of the IPCC or US EPA which use direct measurement or calculation the emissions
dependent on the physical characteristics of the individual mine. For this review, each of the 140mines in the
inventory (as of 2005) were inspected to determine their status. 128 mines were found to be flooded by 2005 which
indicated that the decay rate for these mines would behave as described by the long-term emissions rate of 0.74%
per annum. This value of 0.74% was obtained from the WYG study into the development of a method for AMM
2
emissions estimates (p46) that correlated vent flow rates and gas reserves for 8 mines. This correlation had an r
11
value of 0.70533where the gradient was inferred to be the long-term emissions rate. 20 mines were found to be
vented, of which data for 10 of those were available from the WYG models, although covering only a small number
of years post-2005 (typically 3-5 years of gas reserve data). This data was constructed into a trend line with the
subsequent years extrapolated. The modelled trend lines were:
Table 3Trend lines applied to 10 vented mines closed since 2005
2
Mine Code
Trend line
YORK 4
f(x)=-7x10 ln(x)+2x10
YORK 7
0.9979
f(x) = -4166x + 621749x -
0.9999
31465579x + 539674547
YORK 8 POW
f(x) = -2x108ln(x)+3x108
0.9899
STAFF 1 (FLO)
f(x) = -4x107ln(x)+1x108
0.9007
STAFF 2 (HEM)
f(x) = -4x107ln(x)+1x108
0.9160
6 -0.97x
SWALES 7L
f(x) = 3x10 e
SWALES 8L
f(x) = -2x10 ln(x)+4x10
0.9800
SWALES 9L
0.9473
f(x) = -5x10 ln(x)+9x10
0.9998
8 -0.717
NOTT4
f(x) = 2x10 x
0.8399
LANC2
f(x) = -3x107ln(x)+4x107
0.9915
For the 10 other vented mines; 2 that were abandoned since 2005 were modelled to follow the 0.74% long-term
emissions rate, whereas the 8 that were in commission at the end of 2005 had gas reserve data available for them
following their closure date. Although this assumed leakage rate may tend to under-estimate emissions in the first
few years after mine closure, it is the rate of mine flooding has a more significant impact in terms of reducing the
gas reserve available for leakage. In later years after mine closure the 0.74% leakage rate may over-estimate
emissions. Overall, across all of the UK mines modelled, many of which closed pre-1990, this effect tends to
average out and leads to the best emissions estimate attainable with the present data.
Closure dates 12 mines were added to the update of the 2005 analysis. These were mines that were forecast to
be closed at some point between 2005 and 2030. This was based on research conducted for each mine as to their
status and expected closure date.
Alignment of coal production with UK energy projections the variable of coal production (millions of tonnes)
from open cast mines was necessary in order to estimate the AMM from these mines as the two were closely
related. This data was obtained from DUKES from 1990 to 2008 with DECC input on energy forecast assumptions
to 2050.
2.7
IDENTIFYING AND ADDRESSING KEY UNCERTAINTIES
Given that the methane emissions were based on a combination of the gas reserve forecasts and various assumptions
on flooding and emission decay rates, there were a number of points in the calculation where uncertainty could
accrue. This was dealt with by performing an uncertainty analysis based on the likely ranges of certain variables and
then calculating the propagation of these uncertainties to the final value of methane emissions. Guidance from the
IPCC (2006) was applied in making the assessment of uncertainty (e.g. expected error bands in Tier 2 and Tier 3
methodologies) combined with statistical analysis of key mine input data. All uncertainty values are quoted at the 95%
confidence limits (assuming a normal distribution).
The uncertainties addressed in the model are as follows:
3
A perfect correlation would have an r2 value of 1.0000, indicating a 0.2947 difference from complete agreement
although for statistical reasons, this does not directly correspond to an uncertainty of 29.47%. Instead a 20%
uncertainty on this value is judged to be appropriate to convey uncertainty in the correlation
12
Uncertainty on the closure of currently (2010) operating mines

Of the six currently operating mine areas (YORK 3D MAL, YORK 8KELB, YORK 4HAT, NOTT 2 THO, WRWK
DAL and OTH SML), an understanding of their likely closure date was obtained using data from the UK Coal
Authority and the relevant operating companys annual reports on coal reserves remaining. However,
uncertainty arose as to the closure date due to currently unforeseeable events (rate of coal depletion within
the mine, demands on production etc.) and an uncertainty was applied to the analysis given closure dates in a
range of 10 years of the stated closure date.
Uncertainty on the gas reserve estimates
Gas reserve estimates were a consolidation of expected reserve estimates from WYG (and an interpolation of
these data points by WSP) and an assumed decay factor of 0.74% per year taken from WYG in the absence
of coal mine-specific data and characteristics. In determining the total gas reserve estimates therefore,
uncertainty had to be applied to the individual reserve values. These were determined to be large because of
various factors affecting reserve estimates and an uncertainty of 50% is therefore assumed.
Uncertainty on methane emissions rate
In the absence of gas reserve forecast data for 2005 to 2050, a decay rate of 0.74% was assumed, based on
previous WYG work in the Defra 2005 report comparing gas reserve volume and flow rate on a number of
flooded mine areas. Due to the variability of this decay rate depending on individual mine characteristics (e.g.
pressure, depth, re-opening) a 20% uncertainty has been assumed but in reality may vary significantly around
this.
Uncertainty on open cast mine methane emissions factor
The emissions factor of methane during coal production was obtained as 0.17 ktCH4/Mt coal but varies due to
the intensity of production. To reflect this, an assumption of 20% uncertainty has been applied.
Uncertainty on methane utilisation factor
From the inventory of the recovery and utilisation projects, it was clear that some uncertainty existed as to the
potential future AMM project capacity and load factors. To reflect this, an assumption of 5% has been
applied. This is comparatively small in value due to the high proportion (90% in 2010) of AMM utilised in
England, where all of the mines currently in operation are. This indicates that methane utilisation is now
exploited where possible and significant variation from the proportion of AMM utilisation is unlikely in future.
2.8
DEVELOPMENT OF INTEGRATED AMM MODEL
WSP developed an integrated model of abandoned mine methane using the full range of data, correlations and input
parameters listed above. This model covered, deep mines, surface mines and methane utilisation from 1990-2050,
including predicted future mines closures and a breakdown by nation. The gross and net methane emissions and
carbon equivalent savings were also calculated using an GWP for methane of 21 following UNFCCC guidelines based
on IPCC Second Assessment Report (IPCC 1997). The model also brought together the associated uncertainties on
each variable in order to communicate the range of possible values within a 95% confidence interval. The full model is
provided as an Excel workbook entitled WSP-DECC UK CH4 Emissions Abandoned Coal Mines.xlsx.
13
RESULTS
The AMM updated emissions estimates arising from this study are summarised in Figures 5 and 6 and Table 4 below.
Figure 5 Summary Graph of AMM Emissions Estimates 1990-2050 with uncertainty bands at 95% confidence
limits
Based on the detailed analysis carried out into AMM emissions, it was found that:
The models developed by WYG for DEFRA in 2005 study provide a sound basis for estimating AMM emissions,
however, they:
are complex and difficult to update (updating has been carried out to reflect actual/future closure dates)
rely on a single long-term decay rate of 0.74% per annum (this assumption has been retained)
did not fully account for the long-term mass balance once a mine flooded, and the resulting potential gas
reserve that would be available because of that (this has been corrected)
are in-line with best practice c.f. USEPA and IPCC
The trend in UK AMM emissions is one of rapid decline as many mines closed some time ago
Remaining mine closures will lead to temporary spikes in emissions with long term net emissions dropping from a
high point of around 2.0 million tCO2e/annum in the early 1990s to <0.3 million tCO2e/annum by 2020
Active AMM utilisation appears to have peaked in recent years and will be supplemented by CBM utilisation in
future as available abandoned mine methane resources will become depleted
Abandoned surface mine methane emissions are estimated to be small in relation to those from deep mines
(surface mines represent <6% of total emissions for all UK abandoned mines)
14
Unless new UK coal mines were to be opened and then again decommissioned within the 40 year period of this
forecast, AMM emissions would continue to decline steadily to 2050
The full Excel model provides a further breakdown and analysis of the results. The model facilitates future updating by
highlighting key input cells and assumptions and guidance provided on how to update the model.
Figure 6 Summary Graph of Mine Closures and Net and Gross AMM Emissions Estimates 1990-2050
15
Table 4 Summary Balance Sheet of UK AMM Emissions from 1990-2050 (excluding Northern Ireland as no abandoned or operational mines since the 1970s)
Updated UK AMM Emissions Estimates (MtCO2e) 1990-2050
Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2030
2040
2050
Cumulative Number of Mine Areas Closed
121
132
138
144
148
149
152
153
153
153
Deep Mine AMM Emissions Estimates (MtCO2e)
1.11
2.05
1.47
1.05
1.03
0.84
0.84
0.65
0.54
0.48
16%
16%
16%
15%
13%
12%
11%
12%
13%
12%
0.59
1.52
1.08
0.77
0.77
0.60
0.62
0.45
0.36
0.31
20%
21%
21%
19%
16%
15%
13%
14%
15%
15%
0.09
0.08
0.06
0.06
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.04
0.04
25%
25%
22%
21%
21%
21%
21%
21%
21%
21%
0.43
0.46
0.33
0.22
0.20
0.18
0.17
0.15
0.14
0.13
31%
26%
25%
26%
26%
26%
27%
28%
28%
28%
0.06
0.06
0.05
0.04
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.03
20%
20%
20%
20%
20%
20%
20%
20%
20%
20%
-0.10
-0.10
-0.30
-0.65
-0.69
-0.51
-0.53
-0.38
-0.30
-0.26
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
9%
5%
20%
62%
68%
61%
63%
59%
56%
55%
-0.10
-0.10
-0.30
-0.65
-0.69
-0.51
-0.53
-0.38
-0.30
-0.26
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
Scotland
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Wales
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Net AMM Emissions (MtCO2e)
1.08
2.01
1.22
0.44
0.37
0.36
0.35
0.30
0.27
0.24
17%
17%
20%
37%
37%
30%
29%
27%
26%
25%
Uncertainty
England
Uncertainty
Scotland
Uncertainty
Wales
Uncertainty
Open Cast AMM Emissions Estimates (MtCO2e)
AMM Utilisation (MtCO2e)

Uncertainty
% Methane Utilised (UK)
England
Uncertainty
Uncertainty
16
4
4.1
DISCUSSION OF STUDY FINDINGS

PUTTING THE EMISSIONS ESTIMATES INTO CONTEXT
After obtaining a wide range of mine data from the literature and previous models and compiling these into an updated
set of AMM estimates, WSP see the results as placed in the following context.
The underlying data in the derivation of the methane emissions estimates are the detailed gas reserve models for
each abandoned coal mine; each abandoned coal mine was modelled from 1990 to 2050 and gas reserve estimate
data either incorporated from previous WYG work or interpolated with an assumption as to the decay rate of the gas
reserve. From a mass-balance point of view, this implied that methane emissions from the abandoned mines were
analogous to this decay rate. However, this is overlaid with mine flooding rates which effectively close off part of the
gas reserve each year. Because of this analogy, the forecast of methane emissions is modelled to behave identically
to that of the gas reserve estimates as shown by, for example, some spikes in emissions due to closures of large
mines which then rapidly flood.
From the data compiled, and as indicated in Figure 6, it was evident that the number of coal mines decommissioned
prior to 1990 was significant, given the general decline of coal mining activity in the 1980s. This trend is likely to
continue as economically recoverable UK coal reserves are depleted, energy is supplied from alternative fuel sources,
and remaining coal-fired plants in the UK (currently providing c. 29 GWe of capacity) increasingly rely on imports. The
rate of closure of coal mines in the UK is therefore expected to level off with only a few operating mines remaining by
2050. Between 1990 and 2005, the number of abandoned coal mines increased only by 19%, while from 2005 to 2050
this number is predicted to increase by only by 6%. The contributions to AMM emissions of deep mines that were
closed pre-2005 (i.e. those included in the previous WYG study) and those that subsequently closed or are due to
close by 2050 is shown in Figure 7 below.
Figure 7 Updated Estimates of UK Abandoned Deep Mine Methane Emissions
17
Deep mine AMM emissions estimates constitute the largest component of total AMM emissions (97% in 2010). Deep
mine emissions in the few years following closure also represent the largest uncertainties associated with AMM
estimates due to the uncertainty associated with the rapid decay in gas reserves and flooding rates. The abandoned
deep mine gas reserve estimates are forecast to more than halve from 9.2 billion cubic metres in 2010 to 4.3 billion
cubic metres in 2050. As a result, the associated uncertainty on the methane emissions will reduce from 38% to 26%
in the same time period (n.b. overall uncertainty is not directly proportional to gas reserves as a number of other
factors are involved).
Open cast AMM emissions estimates constitute a small proportion of the total emissions from abandoned mines and in
this analysis are treated as a single source. The decay characteristics of gas reserves in open cast mines are very
different to those for deep mines because these mines have a much larger surface area exposed to atmosphere at
shallow depths. Open cast mines release methane from the disturbed coal strata very rapidly most of the gas
reserve is released during their operational phase. Therefore, the rate of release of methane is more closely aligned
to the volume of coal produced in the final year of operation and less dependent on specific mine characteristics as in
deep mines. The production capacity of open cast coal mines is projected to decrease from 9.51 Mt in 2010 to 8.18 Mt
in 2050, a 14% decrease. Methane gas emissions from open cast coal mines are estimated to decrease by the same
proportion. There is little data on surface mine AMM emissions and so the estimates for open cast mines have larger
uncertainty levels associated with them than for deep mines.
The emissions estimates derived for deep and open cast abandoned mines allows a gross UK methane emissions
estimate to be obtained. The contribution of individual large abandoned mines to total emissions can also be analysed.
From Table 6 and Figure8below, it can be seen that a small number of the largest mines constitute the majority of total
methane emissions. For example, the largest mine LANC 5 emitted 6.12 ktCH4 in 2010, accounting for 13% of the
emissions from all abandoned mines. Similarly, the ten largest mines accounted for 66%, and the fifty largest
accounted for 97% of all emissions in 2010.
Table 6 Top 10 Largest Abandoned Mine Areas, by 2010 AMM Emissions
Rank
Mine Code
2010 Methane
Proportion of all
Emissions
2010 emissions
(ktCH4)
1
LANC 5
6.12
13%
YORK 3D HAR
5.60
11%
YORK 4
3.96
8%
SWALES 9L
3.25
7%
SILVERD*
3.21
6%
YORK ASK
2.66
6%
SWALES 10L
2.47
5%
NOTT 2WEL
2.17
4%
SWALES 8L
1.47
3%
10
SWALES 4L
1.27
3%
*closed in 2005
18
Figure 8 Emissions Breakdown of Highest Emitting UK Deep Abandoned Mines
In order to obtain a net methane emissions estimate from the portfolio of abandoned mine gross emission estimates, it
was necessary to quantify the volume of methane recovered for power generation. WSPs analysis found that 25 coal
mines currently had facilities for power generation from methane recovery, of which 13 of those were in abandoned
mines, giving a total active AMM capacity of 35 MWe. This AMM capacity is currently forecast to peak around 20082015 as in future years recovery projects in operating mines or virgin CBM projects are favoured over AMM recovery.
However, the uptake of AMM utilisation has increased dramatically since 2000 and is forecast to remain more or less
constant, with methane utilisation equivalent to approximately 60% of total UK AMM emissions for the period 2015 to
2050. The longer-term decline in total active AMM capacity, as summarised in Figure 7, is an indicator that the
methane gas reserves of abandoned coal mines are declining. Overall, AMM capture and power generation will
continue to generate a net reduction in carbon emission of 0.3 to 0.6 million tCO2e over the period 2010 to 2050. This
reduction includes the net impact of avoided methane release, the CO2 release from methane combustion and the grid
electricity generation (offset of other fuel use for grid electricity generation).
19
Figure 9 Comparison of AMM Utilisation (absolute, in MWe) and proportion of total UK AMM Emissions
4.2
UNCERTAINTY
The uncertainty analysis carried out for the key variables in estimating AMM emissions from abandoned coal mines
establishes the limitations and boundaries for which future scenarios would affect each variable:
Uncertainty on the future closure dates of currently (2010) operating mines
Uncertainty on the gas reserve estimates
Uncertainty on annual methane emissions rate as % of gas reserve
Uncertainty on open cast mine methane emissions factor
Uncertainty on methane utilisation factor
The uncertainty associated with the date of closure for the five operating mine areas (including a number of small
mines) has the effect of shifting the methane emissions between 10 years. This variation in this may be due to
changes in circumstance in each of the mines such as technical extraction potential or may be due to economic
factors such as increased demand for coal production and volatility in prices.
The uncertainty associated with the gas reserve estimates is large and currently estimated at 50% due to the fact that
this analysis was performed top-down with general trends applied to individual mines. The emissions of methane from
known gas reserves is dependent on a number of variables, which are covered in considerable details in the Defra
2005 report, and mine characteristics vary considerably. The primary variable, and that used in the Defra 2005 report,
is that of the water level within the mine void that depends on nearby groundwater flow and pressure. These can only
be estimated by mine-specific measurements and from that an emissions rate of methane only inferred. As a result,
there are likely to be considerable under- and over-estimates of gas reserves in abandoned mines. The overall
uncertainty associated with the estimates of methane emissions from abandoned mines could be reduced through
further work in investigating the gas reserve characteristics of each mine.
20
In order to arrive at a decay rate of the gas reserve (and by analogy, the methane emissions from that reserve), the
value of 0.74%/yr has nominally been used. This was based on data presented by WYG correlating gas reserve
volume with flow rate with a regression of r2 = 0.7025. Where individual mines did not have forecast gas reserve
volumes and were not interpolated in order to arrive at a mine-specific methane emissions rate, this value of 0.74%
per annum was applied. Because this value has been arrived at by the correlation of only two variables, and that this
correlation is relatively poor (as evidenced by the r-squared value), then this indicates that the uncertainty associated
with this value is likely to be high. The overall uncertainty associated with the methane emissions rate from abandoned
mines could be reduced through further work in investigating the gas reserve volumes and flow rates for a larger
number of mines than was used in the original WYG work.
The results of the overall uncertainty analysis are summarised in Figure 5 and indicate a range of 17% to 41% over
the period 1990-2050. This level of uncertainty is in line with IPCC guidance on Tier 2 and Tier 3 methodologies.
21
5
5.1
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

CONCLUSIONS
WSPs updated estimates of UK AMM emissions from all 143 currently closed coal mines areas as well as those 11
mines scheduled to close by 2050 indicate that there is a general decline in the volume of methane that will be
released each year from 2010 to 2050. This is primarily due to the fact that 79% of mine closures had already
occurred by 1990 and given that most methane is release immediately following closure, then most AMM emissions
have already occurred by 2010. This general trend of decline in methane emissions is overlaid with small perturbations
due to the closure of currently operating mines.
This decline in methane emissions is also influenced by an increased uptake of AMM utilisation in the period 20002012, meaning that of the AMM available around 60% will be utilised for power generation at abandoned mines. The
plateau of approximately 60% utilisation is linked to the proportion of abandoned mines where AMM is economically
recoverable. Economically unrecoverable AMM may be accounted for the many small mines and mines that had
closed more than ten years ago and are now flooded, where AMM emissions would have declined to a low level.
A number of assumptions were required to update the AMM projections and the impact of the have been assessed by
applying the propagation of uncertainties on each value through each mine calculation. This has resulted in a final
uncertainty range on the net AMM emissions estimate for 2010, of 38%. Although this seems high, the IPCC 2006
guidance indicates that an uncertainty range of 20-30% is typical for a Tier 3 methodology for countries with a
significant number of mines. Given that the scope of this study did not involve an individual investigation of each mine,
but clustered mines into mine areas and applied national-level emissions factors to the gas reserves, WSP considers
this the methodology behind this report to be consistent with a Tier 2+ methodology (where up to 50% is typical), as
described by the IPCC.
Put in the context of a declining domestic coal mining industry, AMM emissions from already and soon-to-be closed
coal mines are likely to diminish in significance to <0.3 million tCO2e by 2050. This compares to a peak in emissions of
around 2.0 million tCO2e in the early 1990s. Although the extent of coal-based power production in the UK is
undetermined in the future, the general trend is towards importing coal. Nevertheless, AMM capture and power
generation will continue to generate a net reduction in carbon emission of 0.3 to 0.6 million tCO2e over the period 2010
to 2050 including displacement of other power generation fuels. In the UK context AMM utilisation represents a
significant national GHG abatement measure and generates power from a fuel that would otherwise be wasted.
5.2
RECOMMENDATIONS
There are a number of uncertainties associated with the AMM emission estimates that have been developed in this
study. The overall uncertainty of the AMM estimates is broadly in the range of 20 to 40%. A key step to reduce this
uncertainty would involve further research to assess the variability in the assumed long-term emission rate of 0.74% of
the gas reserve per annum. As discussed, this value was determined experimentally for a sample of 8 UK mines from
a correlation of vent methane flow and gas reserve data. Reducing the uncertainty on this value could be achieved by
expanding the sample study to cover a larger number of mines.
However, given that the amount of methane emissions from abandoned coal mines in the UK is forecast to reduce
from an already small value. Further work on updating this AMM inventory is unlikely to be necessary in the short term
unless there are significant changes in policy impacting any possible recommissioning of abandoned coal mines.
5.3
UPDATING THE MODEL
There are a number of uncertainties associated with the AMM emission estimates that have been developed in this
study. The overall uncertainty of the AMM estimates is broadly in the range of 20 to 40%. A key step to reduce this
uncertainty would involve further research to assess the variability in the assumed long-term emission rate of 0.74% of
the gas reserve per annum. The model will also need to be periodically updated to reflect future closures of UK mines
that are currently operating and also for changes in UK mine methane utilisation capacity.
22
REFERENCES
A number of reports and data sources were used in order to carry out this update on AMM emissions. These included:
USEPA 2004. Methane Emissions from Abandoned Coal Mines in the United States: Emission Inventory
Methodology and 1990-2002 Emissions Estimates, April 2004, Coalbed Methane Outreach Program US EPA.
Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/cmop/resources/abandoned_underground.html
USEPA 2011. Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2009 (April 2011), USEPA #430-R11-005.
Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/usinventoryreport.html
IPCC 2006. Chapter 4: Fugitive Emissions, IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories 2006.
Retrieved from http://www.ipcc-nggip.iges.or.jp/public/2006gl/pdf/2_Volume2/V2_4_Ch4_Fugitive_Emissions.pdf
DUKES 2010. Digest of UK Energy Statistics 2010 Energy Statistics on Coal, Department for Business,
Innovation and Skills 2011.
Retrieved from
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20091002231531/http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/energy/statistics/sou
rce/coal/page18529.html
AEA 2011. UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 1990 to 2009: Annual Report for submission under the Framework
Convention on Climate Change
Retrieved from http://naei.defra.gov.uk/reports.php
UK Coal Authority 2011. UK Coal Authority data on methane utilisation 2011.
Retrieved from http://www.coal.gov.uk/publications/miningtechnology/coalminemethaneukactivity.cfm
Kershaw, S. (2005a) Projected Methane Emissions from Abandoned Coal Mines in the UK,
REPORT/E005832/SK/DATE/Final/V1, Report for DEFRA, WYG Nottingham, UK
Kershaw, S. (2005b) Development of a Methodology for Estimating Methane Emissions from Abandoned Coal
Mines in the UK, REPORT/D5559/SK/May 2005/EMISSIONS/V3, Report for DEFRA, WYG Nottingham, UK
ULAN Coal Continued Operations Project (2009) Scope 1, 2 and 3 Energy and Greenhouse Gas Assessment,
Appendix 14
Retrieved from http://www.ulancoal.com.au/EN/OperatingApprovals/Volume%20Six/Appendix14.pdf
Environment Canada 2010. National Inventory Report 1990-2009: Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks in Canada
Retrieved from http://www.ec.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=en
Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) 2006.
Retrieved from http://www.acarp.com.au/documents.aspx
Australian Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency 2011. National Greenhouse and Energy Register.
Retrieved from http://www.climatechange.gov.au/government/initiatives/national-greenhouse-energyreporting/nger-register.aspx
Global Methane Initiative (GMI) 2010. Coal Mine Methane Country Profiles.
Retrieved from http://www.globalmethane.org/tools-resources/coal_overview.aspx
Association of Coal Mine Methane Operators (ACMMO) 2007 UK Mine Methane Facts and Figures 2007.
Retrieved from http://www.coal.gov.uk/media/BFA/7A/CCT_-_UK_Mine_Methane_-_Facts_and_Figures__ACMMO_General_Brief_10_08_07.pdf
23
World Bank 2010. Mitigating the Environmental Impact of Coal in China.

Retrieved from
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/EASTASIAPACIFICEXT/EXTEAPREGTOPENERGY/
0,,contentMDK:20491256~menuPK:574044~pagePK:34004173~piPK:34003707~theSitePK:574015,00.html
Department for Environment Affairs and Tourism, SA 2009. GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY SOUTH AFRICA
1990 to 2000
Retrieved from http://www.pmg.org.za/files/docs/090812greenhouseinventory.pdf
24
7
7.1
APPENDIX A SUMMARY OF UK COAL MINE

CLOSURES POST-2005
INTRODUCTION
This appendix summarises the available data on closure of UK coal mines post-2005. The previous study covered
actual/planned closures up to the end of 2005. The actual/predicted closure dates for mines post-2005 summarised
below have been applied to the updated modelling of methane emissions.
Coal production in the UK has declined rapidly since 1980; from approximately 125 tonnes in 1980 to 16-18 tonnes
annually within the last few years. However, since 2006 this trend has seemed to change as coal production and
consumption has realised a small increase from 16.6 tonnes to 17.8 tonnes per annum as alternative energy sources
(i.e. natural gas) have become increasingly expensive(1). UK deep mine and opencast product is largely comparable
with 40-50% and 50-60% of total UK output respectively.
As expected in line with production, the total number of producing mines in the UK has also rapidly decreased since
1980 and for the last few years has fluctuated at around 50 sites.
Table A1 - Summary of UK Coal Production and No. of Mines / Sites from 2004 2010
Output (Mt)
Year
No of Mines / Sites
Deep
Mines
Opencast
Total
Deep
Mines
Opencast
Total
2004
11.5
11.8
23.3
15
45
60
2005
10.3
10.2
20.5
13
33
46
2006
8.2
8.4
16.6
20
33
53
2007
7.5
8.8
16.3
17
33
50
2008
7.9
9.4
17.4
17
37
54
2009
7.5
9.8
17.3
15
36
51
2010*
7.4
10.4
17.8
13
35
48
(Source: The Coal Authority Production Statistics)
7.2
CLOSURE OF UK DEEP COAL MINES POST-2005
As at March 2011 there were five major deep mines and six medium to small mines in operation. Of the major deep
mines Daw Mill, Kellingley and Thoresby are all operated by UK Coal Plc., Maltby is operated by Hargreaves Services.
Since December 2010 Hatfield Colliery has gone in to administration as funding for an associated carbon capture and
storage (CCS) scheme could not be secured. Hatfield is currently producing under operation of the administrators,
PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Table A2 and A3 below lists the annual status of UK major and medium/small deep mines that have operated from
2006 to March 2011. Notably, both the Tower and Welbeck collieries and 5 medium to small mines ceased
production. Hatfield colliery reopened in 2007 and has continued to operate to the present day.
Table A2 - Status of UKs Major Deep Coal Mines from 2006 2011
Mine/Site
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
(Dec09)
2011*
(March)
!
"
#$
% &
'
!!
() *
+ &
(Source: 2006 2010 DUKES Table 2.10 - The Coal Authority, 2011 Expired Licence / Agreements March 2011 The Coal Authority). Mothballed
refers to a mine that is temporarily closed and is indicated to reopen in the future. Closed mines are those which are permanently not in operation
with open vents to the surface. Sealed mines are closed mines which are permanently not in operation and which have their vents sealed.
Developing mines are those which are mine areas due to be opened for coal extraction. Open mines are those which are operational and producing
coal. Producing refers to a mine that is currently producing CBM.
Table 3: Status of UKs Medium/Small Deep Coal Mines from 2006 2011
Mine/Site
2006
2007
'
'
2008
2009
2010
(Dec09)
2011*
(March)
,#$
&!
,)
(
&
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
. '
#$
)
. '
%
'
. '
. '
/(
. '
(Source: 2006 2010 DUKES Table 2.10 - The Coal Authority, 2011 Expired Licence / Agreements March 2011 The Coal Authority)
Table A2 lists all UK major deep mines that have operated since 2005; locations and relevant zoning required for
inclusion in this study have been displayed in Figures A1 A4.
Figure A1 - North East England Coalfield Zones (OS Grid Reference NZ278919)
Figure A2 - Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and North Staffordshire Coalfield Zones (OS Grid Reference SK5292)
Figure A3 - Warwickshire Coalfield Zones (OS Grid Reference SP361918)
Figure A4 - South Wales Coalfield Zones (OS Grid Reference SN 926 031)
As listed in Table A2 there are, as of 2011, 5 major deep mines producing in the UK. To determine the predicted
methane emissions from these collieries it is important to understand their expected date of closure. Expected closure
dates for each operating major deep mine has been obtained from the relevant operator. Table A4 below lists these
mines, locations and expected dates of closure. These closure dates are consistent with UK energy projections for
coal demand, indicating a gradual decline in consumption to 2050 and reflecting the lifetime of economically
extractable coal reserves at the remaining UK deep mines.
Table A4 - Location and expected date of closure for large deep mines currently producing in the UK (UK Coal
2010)
Mine/Site
Coalfield
1 $!
"
Zone
Expected date
of closure
2&
-345
-3-6
-347
-348
#$!
1 $!
(!
% &9
1 $!
* Hatfield Colliery is currently in administration, as such, the expected date of closure is not known.
7.3
CLOSURE OF UK SURFACE COAL MINES POST-2005
The available data on UK surface mines that have closed or are due to close post-2005 was reviewed. The table
below summarises the current status of UK surface mines. This data was used to update the estimates of surface
mine methane emissions in combination with projections for UK coal demand to 2050.
Table A5: Status of UKs Opencast Coal Mines from 2006 2011
Mine/Site
$
$
!
!
2006
&
& *
+
%%
( 1
(
:
$ ((
; ;
!
$
: *
&&
+
*
!
: (
!
$
/
# :% !
/
$
(
<#
!!
2007
2008
2009
2010
(Dec09)
Mine/Site
/!
2006
$
%"
: (
! #$
/ &
&
/
&
& !
*
( /#$ #
" !
( ) =/
)
=/
)
!
&
)
(/
!
:% !; ;:
"
&
/ #
&! /
/
>/
&
: (
" $!
&
/!
(Source: 2006 2010 DUKES Table 2.11 - The Coal Authority)
(1) Global Methane Initiative UK CMM Country Profiles (p 281)
2007
2008
2009
2010
(Dec09)
APPENDIX B TABLE OF UPDATED AMM EMISSIONS ESTIMATES
The data presented below is obtained from the accompanying model WSP-DECC UK CH4 Emissions Abandoned Coal Mines.xlsx.
Table B1 - Abandoned UK Coal Mine Methane Emissions Estimates 1990-2050
AMM Emissions (ktCH4)
Deep Mine Methane Emissions Estimates
Uncertainty
England
Uncertainty
Scotland
Uncertainty
Wales
Uncertainty
Open Cast Mine Methane Emissions
Estimates
Uncertainty
Total All Mines Methane Emissions
Estimates
Uncertainty
1990
121
52.8
8.5
28.0
5.5
4.5
1.1
20.4
6.4
1991
121
58.3
8.9
27.7
5.3
3.9
1.0
26.6
7.1
1992
126
85.3
16.7
57.5
15.5
3.7
1.0
24.1
6.3
1993
130
103.7
18.7
76.1
17.5
3.7
1.0
23.9
6.3
1994
130
93.3
16.5
67.4
15.4
3.6
0.9
22.3
5.8
1995
132
97.7
16.1
72.4
15.0
3.6
0.9
21.7
5.7
1996
134
84.6
14.6
59.3
13.5
3.5
0.9
21.7
5.7
1997
136
89.2
15.3
65.7
14.3
3.5
0.9
20.0
5.3
1998
137
77.5
12.6
57.1
11.7
2.9
0.6
17.5
4.5
1999
137
71.6
11.6
51.8
10.8
3.2
0.8
16.6
4.2
2000
138
70.0
11.5
51.2
10.7
2.9
0.6
15.9
4.1
2001
138
59.9
9.7
43.6
9.0
2.7
0.6
13.6
3.5
2002
138
58.8
9.6
42.6
9.0
2.7
0.6
13.4
3.5
2003
140
54.9
9.3
39.3
8.6
2.7
0.6
12.9
3.5
2004
142
47.1
7.2
33.1
6.5
2.7
0.6
11.3
3.1
2005
144
49.9
7.4
36.6
6.8
2.7
0.6
10.7
2.8
2006
146
56.8
8.0
44.0
7.5
2.7
0.6
10.1
2.6
2007
146
53.0
7.3
40.3
6.8
2.6
0.6
10.1
2.6
2008
147
51.8
7.0
39.5
6.6
2.6
0.6
9.7
2.5
2009
147
47.8
6.3
35.6
5.8
2.6
0.5
9.6
2.5
3.1
0.6
3.2
0.6
3.1
0.6
2.9
0.6
2.9
0.6
2.8
0.6
2.8
0.6
2.8
0.6
2.4
0.5
2.6
0.5
2.3
0.5
2.4
0.5
2.2
0.4
2.1
0.4
2.0
0.4
1.8
0.4
1.5
0.3
1.5
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
55.9
8.5
61.4
8.9
88.4
16.7
106.6
18.7
96.2
16.5
100.4
16.1
87.3
14.7
92.0
15.3
80.0
12.6
74.2
11.7
72.3
11.5
Methane Utilisation
-4.7
0.3
0.1
-4.7
0.3
0.1
-4.7
0.3
0.1
-4.7
0.3
0.0
-4.7
0.3
0.1
-4.7
0.3
0.0
-4.7
0.3
0.1
-4.7
0.3
0.1
-4.7
0.3
0.1
-9.4
0.5
0.1
-14.1
0.8
0.2
-4.7
0.3
0.0
0.0
51.2
8.5
-4.7
0.3
0.0
0.0
56.7
8.9
-4.7
0.3
0.0
0.0
83.7
16.7
-4.7
0.3
0.0
0.0
101.9
18.7
-4.7
0.3
0.0
0.0
91.4
16.5
-4.7
0.3
0.0
0.0
95.7
16.1
-4.7
0.3
0.0
0.0
82.6
14.7
-4.7
0.3
0.0
0.0
87.3
15.3
-4.7
0.3
0.0
0.0
75.2
12.6
-9.4
0.5
0.0
0.0
64.8
11.7
-14.1
0.8
0.0
0.0
58.2
11.5
62.3
9.7
18.9
1.0
0.3
18.9
1.0
0.0
0.0
43.5
9.8
61.0
9.7
23.6
1.3
0.4
23.6
1.3
0.0
0.0
37.4
9.7
57.0
9.3
31.0
1.6
0.6
31.0
1.6
0.0
0.0
26.0
9.4
49.2
7.2
31.0
1.6
0.7
31.0
1.6
0.0
0.0
18.2
7.4
51.7
7.4
31.0
1.6
0.6
31.0
1.6
0.0
0.0
20.7
7.6
58.3
8.0
31.0
1.6
0.5
31.0
1.6
0.0
0.0
27.3
8.1
54.5
7.3
31.0
1.6
0.6
31.0
1.6
0.0
0.0
23.5
7.4
53.4
7.0
31.0
1.6
0.6
31.0
1.6
0.0
0.0
22.4
7.2
49.4
6.3
32.1
1.7
0.7
32.1
1.7
0.0
0.0
17.3
6.5
Uncertainty
England
Uncertainty
Scotland
Wales
Net Methane Emissions
Uncertainty

Uncertainty
England
Uncertainty
Scotland
Uncertainty
Wales
Uncertainty
Estimates
Uncertainty
Estimates
Uncertainty
Methane Utilisation
Uncertainty
England
Uncertainty
Scotland
Wales
Uncertainty
2010
148
48.9
6.3
36.7
5.8
2.6
0.5
9.5
2.5
2011
148
45.4
5.8
33.6
5.2
2.6
0.5
9.2
2.4
2012
148
43.6
5.6
31.9
5.1
2.5
0.5
9.1
2.4
2013
148
41.9
5.3
30.3
4.7
2.5
0.5
9.1
2.4
2014
149
41.5
5.1
30.2
4.5
2.5
0.5
8.8
2.3
2015
149
40.0
4.9
28.8
4.3
2.5
0.5
8.7
2.3
2016
149
38.3
4.7
27.1
4.0
2.5
0.5
8.7
2.3
2017
150
39.3
4.7
28.3
4.1
2.4
0.5
8.6
2.3
2018
150
37.8
4.5
27.2
3.9
2.4
0.5
8.2
2.2
2019
151
38.1
4.5
27.5
3.8
2.4
0.5
8.2
2.2
2020
152
40.0
4.6
29.5
4.0
2.4
0.5
8.1
2.2
2021
152
39.0
4.5
28.6
3.9
2.4
0.5
8.1
2.2
2022
152
37.8
4.4
27.5
3.8
2.4
0.5
8.0
2.2
2023
152
36.6
4.3
26.5
3.7
2.3
0.5
7.8
2.1
2024
152
35.8
4.2
25.7
3.6
2.3
0.5
7.8
2.1
2025
152
34.9
4.1
24.9
3.5
2.3
0.5
7.7
2.1
2026
152
34.3
4.0
24.3
3.4
2.3
0.5
7.7
2.1
2027
152
33.6
4.0
23.7
3.4
2.3
0.5
7.6
2.1
2028
153
32.8
3.9
23.2
3.3
2.2
0.5
7.3
2.0
2029
153
32.1
3.8
22.6
3.2
2.2
0.5
7.3
2.0
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
50.5
6.3
33.0
1.8
0.7
33.0
1.8
0.0
0.0
17.5
6.5
47.0
5.8
28.5
1.5
0.6
28.5
1.5
0.0
0.0
18.5
6.0
45.2
5.6
43.5
5.3
43.1
5.1
41.6
4.9
39.9
4.7
41.0
4.7
39.4
4.5
39.7
4.5
41.6
4.6
-27.1
1.4
0.6
-25.7
1.4
0.6
-25.6
1.4
0.6
-24.4
1.3
0.6
-23.0
1.2
0.6
-24.0
1.3
0.6
-23.0
1.2
0.6
-23.4
1.2
0.6
-25.0
1.3
0.6
-27.1
1.4
0.0
0.0
18.1
5.8
-25.7
1.4
0.0
0.0
17.8
5.5
-25.6
1.4
0.0
0.0
17.5
5.3
-24.4
1.3
0.0
0.0
17.2
5.1
-23.0
1.2
0.0
0.0
16.9
4.8
-24.0
1.3
0.0
0.0
17.0
4.9
-23.0
1.2
0.0
0.0
16.4
4.7
-23.4
1.2
0.0
0.0
16.4
4.6
-25.0
1.3
0.0
0.0
16.6
4.8
40.7
4.5
24.3
1.3
0.6
24.3
1.3
0.0
0.0
16.4
4.7
39.4
4.4
23.3
1.2
0.6
23.3
1.2
0.0
0.0
16.2
4.6
38.3
4.3
22.4
1.2
0.6
22.4
1.2
0.0
0.0
15.8
4.4
37.4
4.2
21.8
1.2
0.6
21.8
1.2
0.0
0.0
15.6
4.4
36.5
4.1
21.1
1.1
0.6
21.1
1.1
0.0
0.0
15.4
4.3
35.9
4.0
20.6
1.1
0.6
20.6
1.1
0.0
0.0
15.3
4.2
35.2
4.0
20.1
1.1
0.6
20.1
1.1
0.0
0.0
15.1
4.1
34.4
3.9
19.7
1.0
0.6
19.7
1.0
0.0
0.0
14.7
4.1
33.8
3.9
19.2
1.0
0.6
19.2
1.0
0.0
0.0
14.6
4.0

Uncertainty
England
Uncertainty
Scotland
Uncertainty
Wales
Uncertainty
Estimates
Uncertainty
Estimates
Uncertainty
Methane Utilisation
Uncertainty
England
Uncertainty
Scotland
Wales
Uncertainty
2030
153
31.0
3.8
21.6
3.2
2.2
0.5
7.1
2.0
2031
153
30.4
3.7
21.1
3.1
2.2
0.5
7.1
2.0
2032
153
29.8
3.6
20.5
3.0
2.2
0.5
7.0
2.0
2033
153
29.1
3.6
20.0
3.0
2.2
0.5
6.9
2.0
2034
153
28.5
3.5
19.5
2.9
2.1
0.5
6.9
1.9
2035
153
27.9
3.5
19.0
2.8
2.1
0.5
6.8
1.9
2036
153
27.5
3.4
18.6
2.8
2.1
0.4
6.8
1.9
2037
153
27.0
3.4
18.2
2.8
2.1
0.4
6.7
1.9
2038
153
26.6
3.3
17.9
2.7
2.1
0.4
6.7
1.9
2039
153
26.2
3.3
17.5
2.7
2.1
0.4
6.6
1.9
2040
153
25.7
3.2
17.1
2.6
2.1
0.4
6.6
1.9
2041
153
25.4
3.2
16.8
2.6
2.0
0.4
6.5
1.8
2042
153
25.0
3.2
16.5
2.5
2.0
0.4
6.5
1.8
2043
153
24.7
3.1
16.3
2.5
2.0
0.4
6.4
1.8
2044
153
24.4
3.1
16.0
2.5
2.0
0.4
6.4
1.8
2045
153
24.1
3.1
15.8
2.4
2.0
0.4
6.3
1.8
2046
153
23.8
3.0
15.6
2.4
2.0
0.4
6.3
1.8
2047
153
23.5
3.0
15.4
2.4
2.0
0.4
6.2
1.8
2048
153
23.3
3.0
15.2
2.3
1.9
0.4
6.2
1.8
2049
153
23.0
2.9
14.9
2.3
1.9
0.4
6.1
1.7
2050
153
22.7
2.9
14.7
2.3
1.9
0.4
6.1
1.7
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.6
0.3
1.5
0.3
1.5
0.3
1.5
0.3
1.5
0.3
1.5
0.3
1.5
0.3
1.5
0.3
1.4
0.3
1.4
0.3
1.4
0.3
1.4
0.3
1.4
0.3
32.6
3.8
18.3
1.0
0.6
18.3
1.0
0.0
0.0
14.3
3.9
32.0
3.7
17.9
0.9
0.6
17.9
0.9
0.0
0.0
14.1
3.8
31.4
3.7
30.7
3.6
30.1
3.5
29.5
3.5
29.0
3.4
28.6
3.4
28.2
3.3
27.7
3.3
27.3
3.3
-17.4
0.9
0.6
-17.0
0.9
0.6
-16.6
0.9
0.6
-16.1
0.9
0.6
-15.8
0.8
0.6
-15.5
0.8
0.6
-15.1
0.8
0.6
-14.8
0.8
0.6
-14.5
0.8
0.6
-17.4
0.9
0.0
0.0
14.0
3.8
-17.0
0.9
0.0
0.0
13.7
3.7
-16.6
0.9
0.0
0.0
13.6
3.6
-16.1
0.9
0.0
0.0
13.4
3.6
-15.8
0.8
0.0
0.0
13.3
3.5
-15.5
0.8
0.0
0.0
13.1
3.5
-15.1
0.8
0.0
0.0
13.0
3.4
-14.8
0.8
0.0
0.0
12.9
3.4
-14.5
0.8
0.0
0.0
12.8
3.3
26.9
3.2
14.3
0.8
0.6
14.3
0.8
0.0
0.0
12.6
3.3
26.5
3.2
14.0
0.7
0.6
14.0
0.7
0.0
0.0
12.5
3.3
26.2
3.1
13.8
0.7
0.6
13.8
0.7
0.0
0.0
12.4
3.2
25.9
3.1
13.6
0.7
0.6
13.6
0.7
0.0
0.0
12.3
3.2
25.6
3.1
13.4
0.7
0.6
13.4
0.7
0.0
0.0
12.2
3.2
25.3
3.0
13.2
0.7
0.6
13.2
0.7
0.0
0.0
12.1
3.1
25.0
3.0
13.0
0.7
0.6
13.0
0.7
0.0
0.0
11.9
3.1
24.7
3.0
12.8
0.7
0.6
12.8
0.7
0.0
0.0
11.8
3.0
24.4
2.9
12.7
0.7
0.6
12.7
0.7
0.0
0.0
11.7
3.0
24.1
2.9
12.5
0.7
0.5
12.5
0.7
0.0
0.0
11.6
3.0

Methane Emissions From Abandoned Coal Mines WSP Report

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Methane Emissions From Abandoned Coal Mines WSP Report

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WSP Environment & Energy

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Update of Estimated Methane Emissions from UK

Draft Final Report

Final Report for

Final Report incl.

Final Report incl.

WSP Environment & Energy

Abandoned mine methane

Carbon dioxide equivalent (calculated based on GWP of each GHG)

Common Reporting Format

Department of Energy and Climate Change

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Global warming potential (relative to CO2 = 1.0)

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry

kilo (unit prefix = 1 thousand)

Mega (unit prefix = 1 million)

Megawatt electrical generation capacity

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

US Environmental Protection Agency

White Young Green

Uncertainty level quoted at the 95% confidence limit

WSP Environment & Energy

DECC AMM Emissions Estimates 1990-2050

DECC AMM Emissions Estimates 1990-2050

No. Abandoned mine areas

Abandoned Mine Net Emissions

* Uncertainty levels are quoted at the 95% confidence limits

WSP Environment & Energy

DECC AMM Emissions Estimates 1990-2050

THE OBJECTIVES AND AIMS OF THE RESEARCH

GHG inventory to UNFCCC and EU (including CRF tables);

UK non-CO2 projections to 2050; and,

Devolved administrations GHG inventories.

BACKGROUND TO METHANE LEAKAGE FROM ABANDONED COAL MINES

WSP Environment & Energy

DECC AMM Emissions Estimates 1990-2050

Figure 2 Schematic of Methane Leakage from Deep Mine Workings

DECC AMM Emissions Estimates 1990-2050

Active UK coal mines (2010 data)

WSP Environment & Energy

DECC AMM Emissions Estimates 1990-2050

HIGH-LEVEL REVIEW OF GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY MODEL AND INTERNATIONAL

WSP Environment & Energy

DECC AMM Emissions Estimates 1990-2050

Table 2 - International Benchmarks Summary for AMM Estimation

2004: 47 ktCH4 total

No uncertainty analysis performed. Range

2008: 429 ktCH4

1994: 317 ktCH4

Model of 140 mining areas using areaspecific input parameters. Hyperbolic

WSP Environment & Energy

Not estimated but

Details not available but Australian Coal

A Monte-Carlo analysis indicates an

Indicates that an overall uncertainty range

Medium to high level of uncertainty, values

Not quantified but uncertainties mentioned

DECC AMM Emissions Estimates 1990-2050

DATA REVIEW FOR ABANDONED DEEP MINES

WSP Environment & Energy

DECC AMM Emissions Estimates 1990-2050